Digitized Drawings of Historical Boats: 3D Restoration of Heritage Vessels from the Serenissima
14/05/2025
The TOFOLA Interreg project, focused on creating sustainable tourism experiences inspired by the maritime heritage of the Serenissima Republic of Venice, includes the development of two traditional wooden boat prototypes—one in Croatia and one in Italy.
This initiative was undertaken by the project partners MARSERVIS Ltd., Centro Consorzi, and LAGUNA S.N.C., who have jointly produced a report detailing the work carried out on the selected vessels.
Among the various types of boats historically used in the Serenissima, two emblematic examples were chosen as pilot cases: the Croatian batana and the Italian bragozzo.
These traditional boats embody the cultural and technical richness of Adriatic seafaring and serve as ideal models for exploring innovative approaches to heritage conservation, such as 3D digitization and sustainable restoration.
The two case studies present specific strategies for restoration, conservation, and optimization, each contributing to TOFOLA’s broader goals of cultural preservation, digital accessibility, and sustainable maritime innovation.
Given that the two acquired vessels differ in both type and conservation status, the report offers an in-depth overview of the work carried out in terms of condition assessment, restoration methodology, and specific interventions.
It aims to document and explain the procedures used for the digitalization of the boats, as well as the rationale behind the selection of these two case studies.
The Croatian Batana
This flat-bottomed, traditional wooden boat was historically used for fishing and transport in the northern Adriatic, particularly in shallow coastal waters.
Batanas were traditionally handcrafted from wood using locally sourced materials and simple, time-honored shipbuilding techniques. They were typically propelled by oars or equipped with a small lateen or lug sail. Over time, some models have been fitted with small engines, though the traditional rowing and sailing versions continue to be valued for their cultural significance and heritage preservation.
The Rovinj Batana, in particular, is one of the most renowned variants and is widely recognized as a key symbol of Istrian maritime heritage.
The Italian Bragozzo
The bragozzo (or bragoc) is a traditional fishing and cargo vessel typical of the central and northern Adriatic, historically used for coastal trade routes that extended as far as the Ionian Sea. Its construction reflects generations of maritime craftsmanship and technical expertise.
The bragozzo selected by MARSERVIS, Centro Consorzi, and Laguna serves as the Italian pilot vessel for the TOFOLA Project. Built in 1948, it is remarkably well preserved, both structurally and in terms of its decorative elements. The vessel measures 9.9 meters in length and 2.3 meters in beam, making it a representative example of Italian Adriatic boatbuilding tradition.
